USC (Mis)representatives

Coaching searches have always taken on lives of their own, never more so
than in today's rapid-fire information age. You cannot always believe
everything you read or hear as the lines between facts and fiction are
constantly blurred.

USC's football head coaching vacancy is the latest example of this.

USC has been alerted that individuals posing as USC representatives made
overtures to two coaches regarding the Trojans' head coaching
position.

In one instance, a person falsely identifying himself as a high-ranking
member of the USC athletic department attempted to make contact several
times with the Denver Broncos' coaching staff to discuss the Trojan
job. That person has been identified by USC and appropriate action
is being taken.

In another, someone claiming to represent USC reached out to a contact of
former NFL head coach and current NBC broadcaster Tony Dungy, who said on
today's Dan Patrick Show that he had no interest in the Trojan job.
That person, again not a representative of USC, also has been identified
and USC is in the process of contacting that individual.

"Tony's discussion on the radio today of being contacted by USC was a
complete surprise to us," USC Athletic Director Pat Haden said. "So
were the calls made to the Broncos. I can assure you no authorized
representative of USC or our athletic department made these calls.

"As I said last week, we will not comment on every name that comes out.
It would be a disservice to our players and coaches, who are devoting
everything they have into the remainder of our season. We have a
head coach right now in Ed Orgeron. We have not offered the job to
anyone."